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Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2025

At RCCG The Citadel Leeds, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with transparency, care, and respect. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and your rights in relation to it. By using our website or submitting any information to us, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Who We Are

RCCG The Citadel Leeds is a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), operating as a faith-based community in Leeds, United Kingdom. We are the data controller responsible for the personal information collected through this website.

For any data-related enquiries, you may contact us at: rccgthecitadel.leeds.uk@gmail.com

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

a) Information You Provide Directly

  • Contact Forms: Name, email address, phone number, and your message.
  • Prayer Requests: Your name, email address, and the content of your prayer submission.
  • Volunteer Applications: Name, email address, phone number, and your area of interest.
  • Donations: Name and payment details processed through our secure payment provider.
  • Newsletter Sign-ups: Email address for receiving church updates and communications.

b) Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation paths.
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and IP address.
  • Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve your experience (see Section 7 for more).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To respond to your enquiries, prayer requests, or contact form submissions.
  • To process and acknowledge volunteer applications.
  • To process charitable donations and issue receipts where applicable.
  • To send church newsletters, event announcements, and ministry updates (only where you have consented).
  • To improve our website, services, and outreach efforts.
  • To comply with our legal obligations and safeguarding requirements.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal grounds under UK GDPR:

  • Consent: Where you have actively provided information or opted in to communications.
  • Legitimate Interests: For improving our website and communicating with our congregation.
  • Legal Obligation: Where we are required by law to retain or process your data.
  • Contract: Where processing is necessary to fulfil a service you have requested (e.g., processing a donation).

5. Confidentiality of Sensitive Information

We treat all pastoral and prayer-related communications with the strictest confidentiality. Information shared through prayer requests or counselling enquiries is handled only by our pastoral team and is never shared externally without your explicit consent, unless required by law (e.g., safeguarding obligations).

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third parties. We may share your data only in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: Trusted third-party providers (e.g., email platforms, payment processors) who assist us in operating the website and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
  • RCCG Network: In limited cases, information may be shared with RCCG national or regional leadership for church administration purposes.
  • Legal Requirements: Where we are legally required to disclose information to comply with applicable law or a court order.

7. Cookies Policy

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our site. We use:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the basic functioning of the website.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it.
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for future visits.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling some cookies may affect the functionality of certain parts of our website.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by law. Specifically:

  • Contact and prayer enquiries: Retained for up to 2 years.
  • Volunteer records: Retained for the duration of your volunteering and up to 2 years thereafter.
  • Donation records: Retained for up to 7 years in accordance with UK financial regulations.
  • Newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe.

9. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data.
  • Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format.
  • Right to Object: Object to our processing of your data based on legitimate interests.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time for communications or data processing based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please email us at rccgthecitadel.leeds.uk@gmail.com. We will respond within 30 days.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child has submitted data to us, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

11. External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites such as social media platforms or RCCG global resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their respective privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

We would, however, appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns directly before you contact the ICO.

14. Contact Us

For any questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please reach out:

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